What is a HIDA scan?

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According to Mayo Clinic, a HIDA, or hepatobiliary, scan is an imaging procedure used to diagnose problems in the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. A HIDA scan can diagnose several diseases, such as gallbladder inflammation, bile duct obstruction, congenital abnormalities in the bile ducts and postoperative complications.

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Mayo Clinic explains that a HIDA scan is a very low risk procedure; however, minor risks include an allergic reaction to the medication used to perform the scan, bruising at the injection site and a rash. To prepare for the procedure, a patient must fast for a few hours prior to the procedure, delay taking certain medications and take other medications that enhance the scan.